MRA, a not-for-profit employer association, announced the appointment of Heather Roberts as Executive Director, Iowa/Western Illinois office. Roberts will lead operations, providing comprehensive HR services to its member organizations.

“Heather is committed to providing the highest quality service to our members, commented Nancy Warren, MRA vice president. Warren added, “Assisting members in navigating today’s complex HR issues requires a leader that possesses both vision and the skill to shepherd that vision through to its practical implementation. Heather has proven, exceptional competency in both arenas.” As executive director of MRA’s Iowa/Western Illinois office, Roberts will manage services that enable members to minimize company risks and maximize workforce performance. Spearheading business development, Roberts will focus on wide-ranging member services that run the gamut from affirmative action to reference checking to training on HR topics, business skills, and management and leadership effectiveness.

With proven proficiency in coordinating public/private partnerships and projects, community outreach and training, marketing, and legislative outreach, Roberts has worked closely with Chambers of Commerce, Small Business Development Centers, and other business and economic development groups. Gaining sharp business acumen through work experience as a business development coordinator, economic development director, and city administrator, Roberts is particularly skilled in coordinating complex projects serving multiple stakeholders with varied interests.

Roberts received special recognition of her leadership skill and business acumen in 2012, when she was named an inaugural Edgar Fellow for the Illinois Institute of Government & Public Affairs (IIGPA), in partnership with the University of Illinois-Champaign/Urbana. Joining other appointees, Heather received a lifetime Fellowship appointment to the prestigious group charged with developing leadership and governing capacity within the State of Illinois.

About MRA

Founded in 1901, MRA is a not-for-profit employer association headquartered in Waukesha, WI that serves 4000 employers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, covering 800,000 employees. MRA, one of the largest employer associations in the nation, helps its member organizations to thrive by creating powerful teams and safe, successful workplaces. MRA conducts 1300 learning events each year. MRA members receive access to expert guidance, best practices, professionally facilitated roundtables, essential tools, and dozens of business services in the areas of human resources and training. In October 2012, Trusight joined the MRA family when MRA became the parent company to this Minnesota-based employer association. To learn more and to become a member of MRA, visit http://www.mranet.org/Home.aspx. MRA’s offices are located in the cities of Waukesha, WI, Plymouth, MN, Palatine, IL and Moline, IL.